Ella

Last weekend we decided to explore the hill country a bit further. Robbie, Amy, Pablo, Mark and myself hopped onto what was meant to be a 6h journey on a bus (it ended up being 8 and a half hours) on Friday afternoon and made our way from Colombo to Ella. We were extremely lucky and had seats; even though there were about seven people squished in the back row of the bus, we didn't have to suffer the torment of standing up all the way. In Sri Lanka it's not about the comfort, it's about getting as many people on board as possible (see my previous post on the train journey to Kandy!). We finally arrived at around midnight and met our impatient guest house host, who had been waiting for 2h. Pro tip: Never trust a Sri Lankan when he says you are 20mins away from your destination. Arriving at the Forest Paradise Inn was a massive relief; we threw our things down and crashed straight away, not giving much importance to our surroundings since it was all pitch black.

I woke up the following morning to the sound of rain. Giving up on sleep and dragging myself outside, I was welcomed by the stunning view of the forest. Our guest house was tucked in the mountain, a five minute walk away from the main road in Ella. We made the most of that day: waterfalls were followed by a full body treatment inc. massages, and topped off with an amazing meal at one of the multiple guest houses you could stay at. I have never been more relaxed. We devoured the nine different dishes straight away. We were right in the process of debating whether we should order more or not when the woman who runs the guest house tottered over and said,

"Good? Still hungry? You want more? If you want more just ask, this is not a hotel, this is your house!"

 

This is your house! I had tears in my eyes.

Yes. We bathed here.

Waiting at the bus stop.

Sauna.

Enjoying The Best Curry In The World.

We returned home to our very happy (and slightly tipsy) guest house host, Nellie, who insisted on shaking the boys' hands for uncomfortably long periods of time. Lol.

Early start: breakfast in the garden.

The next day we got up early and had breakfast in the garden, and decided to climb up Little Adam's Peak (the 'climb' turned into a tuk tuk drive). After laboriously dragging ourselves up the steps for twenty minutes we reached the top, and were hit by one of the most stunning views I have encountered in Sri Lanka- and might even dare say in my life. Mountains folded out everywhere around us. Lush greens rippled down and spread themselves over the land. A blue, blue sky pierced the landscape, and the wind rushed over the mountain top. I have never been more awed by nature.

Inspired

Walking back from Little Adam's Peak

We made our way back down and stopped for moist cakes and fresh dragon fruit juice, going back to the guest house to pack and say goodbye to Nellie. I can tell you right now that I am coming back.